Master of Fine Arts - Landscape Architecture

The Landscape Architecture MFA program provides advanced study for students pursuing a career in Landscape Architecture. Coursework emphasizes theories of open urban spaces, collaborative and interdisciplinary methods of design and implementation, sustainability, and advanced digital rendering techniques

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

• Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
• Demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the thesis project
• Produce a comprehensive project that contributes to the design community, demonstrating advanced landscape architecture planning and design skills

Design Proposals

• Demonstrate command of the key principles, systems, and elements of design that inform two- and three- dimensional planning and design as well as composition
• Make effective and appropriate planning and design choices at a variety of scales
• Produce defensible planning and design proposals

Research and Design Process

• Produce comprehensive site inventory research and analysis
• Integrate findings from the site inventory and analysis to develop appropriate planning and design proposals
• Display a working knowledge of the historical influences and theoretical principles of landscape planning and design
• Incorporate appropriate public policy, law, codes and standards in the planning and design process

Natural Systems: Identify the indigenous natural systems, components and processes found on a given site and incorporate findings into planning and design proposals

Human & Social Factors: Demonstrate understanding of the diverse needs, values and customs of the communities and individuals active at the site by incorporating findings into planning and design proposals

Design Development

• Evaluate and select materials that will enhance the qualities of a given site as well as provide for the programmatic requirements
• Demonstrate an understanding of site development and site engineering as appropriate to the site design (grading, drainage, planting design and hardscape development)
• Apply principles and strategies of sustainability to planning and design decisions

Communication Skills

• Consolidate research and present ideas in concise and convincing verbal, written and graphic presentations
• Utilize appropriate media, including computer graphics and freehand drawing to communicate thinking process and planning and design proposals

Professional Readiness

• Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating technical and problem-solving skills that reflect professional expectations
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of landscape architecture on the stewardship of the environment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues involved in landscape architectural planning, design and practice

*Note App Fee Waiver in effect for ApplyBoard to reduce the application fee to $50*